Category Archives: Advent

November 23, 2015

1st Sunday of Advent – Be Vigilant

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

resurrection - the Passion of the Christ

Study:  Name a time when you had to be vigilant.  What gave you strength to remain alert, disciplined, and prepared?

Pray:  Is there something in your life that requires vigilance right now?  Pray for the strength to remain focused.

Serve:  Does someone in your life need support to remain vigilant?  How can you help them?

1st Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

The Gospel reading paints a dark picture – filled with worry, anxiety, dismay, and fright.  It warns that some might foolishly respond with drunkenness, others by getting drowsy and paying no attention.  Here’s the proper approach:

“Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength” – Luke 21:36

Be vigilant.  But what does that mean?  Here are some key points:

  • Alert: focused, paying attention, aware
  • Disciplined: steadfast, consistent
  • Prepared: ready, able to act instantly

The idea is that we are actively engaged in the present moment – watching and waiting – so that when the situation requires our effort we can swiftly give our best.  It takes a lot of energy, effort, and concentration…but then again, at stake is our preparation for the savior of the world.

So as we step into this Advent – where do you see the need for vigilance in your life?  Are there situations or relationships that require attention?  Are there details that need to be addressed?  If the Lord came today are we ready to greet him, or would we be caught unprepared?

This holy season provides us with the gift of time to become vigilant – alert, disciplined, and prepared for the Lord’s return.

Happy Advent!

***************

The image is from The Passion of the Christ – The Resurrection of Jesus – Easter Day.  May we all have that expression on our faces as we wait for the Lord!

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent

December 15, 2014

4th Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Scrooge Tombstone

Study:  Recall a time when you were confronted with a tough decision.  What helped you to make and carry out your choice?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the wisdom and guidance to make daily decisions that are filled with grace.

Serve:  Is there someone in your life facing tough decisions right now?  How can you help them?

4th Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

A Christmas Carol

Part IV: Scrooge’s Choice

There comes a point in A Christmas Carol where we begin to understand Ebenezer Scrooge.  We’ve seen his past, present, and future – how he’s interacted with people – and we come to crux of the matter: will he make a change?  Will he embrace the warnings and lessons of the Ghosts and chart a new course for his life?

Every person has a story.  Every person has had moments of joy and sadness, success and failure, blessing and burden.  Yet in the course of our lives we have been given the gift of choosing how we will live; the Lord offers us the freedom to accept or reject a life of love.   We, too, have been given opportunities to reflect and decide how we will live.  What do we choose?

In the Gospel today Mary greets her kinswoman Elizabeth, who also recognizes something wonderful has happened.  The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped from joy – a sign that God was present in a powerful way.  Elizabeth understood that God was working in Mary’s life, and she responded to this insight accordingly.

There comes a moment in our lives when we discover something new.  Perhaps we have seen a mistake in the past or regret an action that we have done; at these times we encounter a reason to hope and start over.  We have a reason to live with joy.

It is this sense of hope which can give us new life.  Emerging from doubt or despair, we rediscover that God walks with and among us – helping us in moments of sadness and leading us to peace.  Yet God requires that we actively accept this invitation.  The promise of hope needs our action, and it relies on our willingness to follow.

Scrooge provides an example for us.  With the help of the Spirits of Christmas, he saw a world filled with very different possibilities.  He discovered that he need not be unhappy; he could change his life and embrace the joys which were all around him.  His willingness to see, judge, and act become an inspiration for us – reminding us that life gives us opportunities to change our ways and follow God’s call.

As Elizabeth recognized God’s presence in Mary, we too are invited to discover the Lord in our midst.  May our eyes be open to see God among us, and may we respond with hearts that are open to the abundant love which is our inheritance.

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

December 14, 2014

Advent Service: Reconciliation

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Three Great Things

Study:  When was the last time you went to Confession?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the guidance and strength to make an examination of conscience

Serve: Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from genuninely helping others?

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

This homily was given at a communal penance service at the Cathedral on December 13, 2014 prior to the opportunity for individual confessions.  The theme “Taking out the Trash” was used to convey that just as we need to remove the garbage from the kitchen (before it starts to stink), we also need to look into our hearts and remove what does not belong.  The encounter with grace offers us the courage to look honestly and trust that the Lord will give us the strength we need to turn to him and experience his mercy, forgiveness, and love.

 

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

December 8, 2014

3rd Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Goodman 11-06-11 SVP A Christmas Carol

Study: Who are the messengers in my life?  Who are the people who have alerted me to blessings and burdens in my life?

Pray: Ask the Lord for the openness to hear these messengers and take their words to heart.

Serve: Who in my life and I called to offer a message?  What do I need to say…and what do they need to hear?

3rd Sunday of Advent Readings

A Christmas Carol
Part III: The Spirits of Christmas

The Spirits of Christmas play a crucial role in Scrooge’s conversion.  Their task is to show images of Christmas throughout time, revealing how the holiday is filled with blessings.  In the images they reveal Scrooge learns the error of his ways, as feelings of guilt, remorse, anger, and sadness wash over him as he watches the effects of his life choices.

It is important to note that the three Spirits of Christmas are messengers.  They are the heralds who reveal to Scrooge the meaning of Christmas.  Yet they are not the holiday itself.  Their presence in the story points to the power of our choices – where our words and actions over time make tremendous effects upon our life.  As Scrooge discovers how his life might have been, he begins to yearn for a better and happier one.

In the Gospel this week we discover another messenger.  John the Baptist arrives, baptizing people and proclaiming God’s wonderful deeds.  People flock around him, inspired by his words and longing for hope.

As the crowds come to John they ask him, “What should we do?” as they pursue their lives.  To each John answers with justice and fairness.  He speaks with power and might, filling the people with expectation.

Many begin to wonder if he is the Christ.  John answers immediately: NO!  There is one coming who is mightier.  John is merely the messenger, pointing the way to Jesus.

Like the crowds, we may often find ourselves looking for those who bring hope.  We may discover in life an unhappiness, a dissatisfaction with ourselves and the choices we have made.  We look to many remedies, yet we know in our hearts that our longing will only be satisfied by God alone.

Perhaps their are people in our lives that have a message for us to hear; may we be open to their words and take them to heart – trusting that their insights can help us on the journey of life.

Perhaps their are people in our lives that we are called to offer a message; may we have the courage to speak up – offering and directing others to insights that can help them embrace the power and beauty of life.

During these last few days of Advent, may we recognize in our lives the messengers sent by God to announce the Good News of Christ.  As we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming, we have the opportunity to look within and discern the path we have taken through life.  We can ask “What should we do?” as the challenges of life appear.  May we trust that the Lord will make His will known to us, inviting us to follow with full and open hearts.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Advent

December 7, 2014

Catholic Inspiration – Advent Retreat – Seeking the Face of Christ

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Three Great Things

I have begun to include podcasts of my homilies and talks.  Forgive me if the formatting is a little awkward…I am learning!

This Advent reflection was one of the talks given at a retreat that was offered on December 6, 2014.  Six categories are touched upon in this talk:

  • Sacraments
  • Scriptures
  • Prayer
  • Service
  • Sacrifice
  • Fellowship

These areas are meant to help us do two things:

  1. Grow in our ability to see the Face of Christ
  2. Strengthen us to loving serve Christ wherever we see him

Click on this link below if you wish to hear this 40 minute presentation.

Advent Reflection – Seeking the Face of Christ

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

December 1, 2014

2nd Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Tiny Tim

Study: Recall a time when someone was a source of hope in your life.  How were they present to you?

Pray: Are there situations or circumstances that are difficult right now?  Ask the Lord for the gift of hope to see how to proceed.

Serve: How can you be a source of hope to another?  Who do you know right now that can be strengthened by your presence?

2nd Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

A Christmas Carol

Part II: People of Hope

There are a wide variety of people in the story who live with a sense of the Christmas spirit.  They come from many walks of life, with different abilities and skills, yet their genuine understanding of the greater meaning of Christmas makes them excellent examples for us all.

Perhaps it’s Scrooge’s nephew, Fred.  Wishing “Merry Christmas, Uncle Ebenezer!” even when he knows it will result in “Bah, Humbug!” – Fred reminds us that hope continues even when life suggests that all is lost.

We see in the Cratchit family an honest desire to make do with what life has to offer.  Their affection for one another is not dependent on money or gifts, but stems from the life they have built together.  The relish each others joys and feel each others sorrows – living for each other.

Maybe it’s old Fezziwig, the joyous master under whom Scrooge apprenticed.  With his love for food, dance and song, Fezziwig gathered his employees and neighbors in a festive celebration of life.

Scrooge’s sister, Fan, turns out to be a gentle soul who shows great affection and concern for her older brother.  Her life, though short, was marked by the sincere love that leaves a lasting and powerful impression.

Let’s not forget Tiny Tim, the little boy who looked at life as a rich blessing even though his crippled frame prevented him from living like other children.  His spirit, it seems, was far larger than the limits which his body would offer; and his crutch becomes a sign of the weaknesses we all must endure at different times in life.

All of these people stand in contrast to Scrooge.  They find in life reasons to hope – not because everything is always fine or comfortable.  They proclaim, through their words and actions, a message that brings strength and joy.  For in the midst of their struggles they recognize that there is something greater, something which is coming into the world.

Like John the Baptist, we are able to proclaim the presence of the Lord in our lives.  We announce that God is near.  As we discover the Lord among us, may we proclaim a message of hope to all we meet.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

November 25, 2014

1st Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Marley's Ghost

Study:  When have I been swift to respond to the needs of others?  When have I been slow?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the clarity of sight to perceive the real needs within my reach.

Serve:  Don’t wait…do!

1st Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

A Christmas Carol

Part I: Marley’s Warning

Every year I enjoy rereading the holiday story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  I watch as many different movie and drama adaptations as I can, and I find in this simple tale much wisdom and insight.

The story recounts the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley.  Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three ghosts who will show him the error of his ways.  During the visits we discover the story of Scrooge’s life, feeling both pity and anger at the circumstances and choices that have shaped him.  As Scrooge slowly changes, he finally discovers the joy and spirit of Christmas – just in time for Christmas Day.

The ghost of Marley begins this amazing process.  Marley is a wretched creature, wrapped in bandages and shackled by chains and heavy money boxes.  His words to Scrooge are direct and without comfort:  he must change his ways or suffer a fate worse than Marley’s.

Marley reminds Scrooge that the business of life is far greater than the work in their money counting house:
   “Mankind was my business.
   The common welfare was my business;
   charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence
   were all my business.
   The dealings of my trade
   were but a drop of water
   in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

This warning speaks to us as well.  Every day we pass through life amid opportunities to serve and love others.  Yet preoccupation can take us away from the deeper issues of life, separating us from the very people and events that can lead us into blessed happiness.

As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, may we take Marley’s warning to heart.  We, too, must journey through this life, reaching out to those placed on our path.  May we be vigilant, waiting for the day when Jesus will return.  May we share the gift of our lives, anticipating the Christmas joy that awaits us.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Advent, Podcast

December 17, 2013

4th Advent – Final Preparations

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

To do list

Study:  Is there anything in my life that is not ready for the coming of Christ?  Do I have any unfinished or unresolved issues that I can address?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the help and strength to be truly present in the next few days.  Gatherings can be challenging – what do we need from the Lord to help us live as followers of Jesus?

Serve:  Is there someone who you can help who is not ready?  Is there a way that you can support another who is perhaps struggling to prepare?  What good work or kind word can you offer?

4th Advent Readings

This weekend we make the final turn in our Advent season and prepare for Christmas this coming week.  Here are some thoughts to consider as we make our final preparations.

    1.  What are my priorities this week?
– Is it things? (shopping, gifts, etc.)
– Is it safe travel?
– Is it people? (family and friends)
– Is it prayer? (or even the Lord?)

I mention this first because there are many things we WANT to be our top priorities, but we often find that situations and events can be forced upon us.  We sometimes find ourselves reacting to expectations and lose our focus and perspective.

Perhaps a few moments in our own reflection (alone or with others) will help us remember why we are taking the time and effort to celebrate this coming week.  The danger happens when we do not choose our values, but instead let someone else tell us what we are suppose to make important.

    2.  How will I spend my time this holiday?
– with people
– with the Lord in prayer
– at work (I fall in this category!)

Many of us must respond to events outside our control over the next few days:  work, travel, and sometimes awkward situations with other people (a.k.a. – someone you desperately want to avoid).  Time remains our most precious possession; how are we living the gift God gives to us?

    3.  What will be my attitude?

In then end there are very few things which remain entirely in our control.  The weather can change in a matter of hours, roads and travel conditions can become treacherous, and situations can become tense, frustrating, and unhappy.

When we find ourselves less than jolly, how do we express it?  Do we take our stress out on others, or do we take a deep breath and put our faith into practice (you know:  patience, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, love, trust, etc…..)?  Are we constantly reacting to life, or do we proactively choose how we will proclaim the Good News of Christ in our words and actions?

May this holiday be a time of rich blessings to us all!

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Advent

December 9, 2013

3rd Advent – Music & Hope!

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Christmas Carol

Study:  Reflect on moments when you have been inspired.  What was the source of your inspiration?  Where do you find inspiration now?

Pray:  Is there something or someone in your life in need of hope?  Pray for God’s grace to touch and bless this need, in whatever way God chooses.

Serve:  How can you bring hope to others?  How can your life offer inspiration, healing, and the grace of Christ to our world?

3rd Advent Readings

There seems like no better time of the year then the days before Christmas for familiar music melodies.  On the radio or the street corner, in stores and homes, these tunes strike a sweet spot in many hearts.  Here are just a few examples:
* O Come, All Ye Faithful
* Joy to the World
* Silent Night, Holy Night
* Away in a Manger
* Angels We Have Heard on High
* O Little Town of Bethlehem
* It Came upon the Midnight Clear
* God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
And many, many more!

In these days of preparation, people are often found humming or whistling a favorite tune.  In fact, people who seldom (if ever) sing are most likely to do so at this time of year – caroling with friends, in church, (or when no when is looking…..!).

Music has the power to inspire us.  It uplifts our hearts, evokes strong emotions, and puts us in touch with memories and feelings that we might forget or ignore.  In many respects, music is one of our most human qualities.

When we allow ourselves to be touched by music, we discover that its message moves through us.  We hear and understand information in a different way, and in turn are able to express these insights to others.  We are able to proclaim good news.

In the Scriptures we hear messages of hope.  Isaiah offers a prophecy of a renewed world; James offers an invitation to steadfast patience; and Matthew reveals the power of Jesus at work with the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

These are incredible words!  We listen to them, as we have often listened in the past, yet we are invited to let their meaning touch us and strengthen us for our daily needs.  At these moments music becomes a powerful aid, helping us to put into song the comfort and joy that come through our hope in Christ.

During these short days before Christmas, take a moment to hear the music around us.  Listen to the words, hear the melodies, and hey, sing them!  Their power moves our hearts, helping us to proclaim the Good News of God in our midst.  Be inspired by the gift of music to bring Christ’s hope to our hearts!

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Advent

December 3, 2013

2nd Advent – Decorating our Homes and our Hearts

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Christmas Tree

Study:  What are some of the special things we do to prepare for Christmas?  How can we apply this preparation to our own hearts?

Pray:  Pray for the spiritual vision to truly “see” God at work in our lives this Advent.  Bring to prayer any special moments or experiences which touched your heart.

Serve:  How might we help others prepare for the coming of Christ?  How might our service bring others closer to God and one another?

2nd Advent Readings

They were located in the storage space under the stairs in my parents’ house.  Each year several boxes of varying sizes would get pulled out from this space on the day after Thanksgiving.  The contained:

* Christmas tree
* Ornaments & Tinsel
* Lights
* Christmas figurines
* Advent Wreath
* Nativity Set

Furniture would be moved to make space for the tree, items would be packed up or rearranged to accommodate the Christmas decorations, and other items (wreaths & candles) would be purchased.  The preparations would often take several hours to set up, but when finished, the house would be transformed.

Many homes have similar (or even more elaborate) traditions in their preparations for the coming of Jesus.  Decorations, inside and out, completely change the appearance of a home – often at the cost of hours (or even days) of hard work.

These decorations can often change the appearance of a building in a variety of ways.  Beauty and light are the intended result, and the added attention of decorations reveals the power of the season.  Simply put, we decorate to show that something special is happening in our world.

What is true for decorations is true for us.  Just as decorations can transform a building, so to we are called to look at our hearts to discern what needs to be changed, improved, or cleaned up.  We have the opportunity to see how our lives affect others.

We adorn a building with decorations to make it beautiful, but do we take the time to decorate our hearts?  Do we pause and look at our values or priorities, our hopes, needs, or fears?  Do we examine what is not of God in our life and change it?

The Scriptures remind us that when Jesus comes he will be our judge.  He will rule the nations and govern with justice.  In preparation John the Baptist urges the people to repent – to make a change in their hearts – and adorn their lives with the beauty and goodness that arise from this season.  Let us do the same, and decorate both our homes and our hearts, so the Lord will find us ready when he returns.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Advent